National Screening Day: 21 March 2026

No. Most people with early prostate cancer do not have symptoms. A PSA test can help you learn more about your prostate health even if you feel perfectly fine. 

A PSA test can: 

• Help you to find out if you are more likely to have prostate cancer 

• Spot possible problems before symptoms start. 

If your PSA level is raised, you may need to have more tests at the hospital, like an MRI scan, a biopsy of your prostate or both.  

• A normal result can be reassuring 

• It can help to pick up prostate cancer before you get any symptoms 

• It can help to pick up fast-growing prostate cancer at an early stage. This means you can have treatment that could stop your cancer from spreading or causing problems. 

• The test is not perfect: 

• • You may have a high PSA but not have prostate cancer 

• • You may have a normal PSA but have prostate cancer. 

• It may find a slow-growing prostate cancer that would never cause harm. This can cause unnecessary worry and stress.  

• If your PSA is raised, you may need other tests such as a biopsy. 

The NHS does not offer a national prostate cancer screening programme. However, the NHS does support informed choice, meaning you can ask for a free PSA test if you are a man or trans woman over 50 years old and make a decision based on clear, balanced information. If you are at higher risk, you can talk to your doctor about getting a PSA test from the age of 45.   

National Screening Day is designed to support that principle. It gives men and trans women the opportunity to: 

• Access clear information about the PSA test 

• Make an informed decision based on their own risk factors 

• Take part in quick and accessible blood testing if they choose 

Our aim is to increase awareness, empower informed decisions, and support early detection, particularly for those at higher risk. 

If appointments are fully booked near you, there are still ways to take part: 

1. Sign up for a home testing kit – You can complete a PSA test from the comfort of your home and return it by post for £29.99. Visit Graham Fulford Charitable Trust’s website for more information and to order your home test: Home Test order. 
2. Join our waiting list – If new slots become available, we’ll contact you so you can book. 
3. Join our mailing list – We’ll let you know if another local testing opportunity is scheduled near you. 

If you’re having trouble booking your test, don’t worry – help is available. You can visit the dedicated support FAQs at https://mypsatests.org.uk/FAQs/ for clear, step‑by‑step guidance on booking, appointments, and test information. 

We have made testing events as widely available as possible for the National Screening Day, but we have not been able to provide appointments in every region. Factors such as venue availability, clinical staffing, and logistics can limit where events are hosted. 

If there are no appointments near you, you still have options: 

1. Sign up for a home testing kit – You can complete a PSA test from the comfort of your home and return it by post for £29.99. Visit Graham Fulford Charitable Trust’s website for more information and to order your home test: Home Test order. 
2. Join our waiting list – If new slots become available, we’ll contact you so you can book. 
3. Join our mailing list – We’ll let you know if another local testing opportunity is scheduled near you. 

That’s no problem, home testing kits are available for £29.99. Visit Graham Fulford Charitable Trust’s website for more information and to order your home test: Home Test order. 

The blood test itself takes only a few minutes. Including check-in, most appointments are completed within 10–15 minutes. 

A PSA test is a standard blood draw. You may feel a slight pricking or scratching sensation as the needle goes in, but it shouldn’t be painful. 

You will receive an email or text message informing you that your results are now available. Please then log on to your account on the website www.mypsatests.org.uk and use your username and password to access your account. Here you can also access guidance on what the numbers mean and whether any follow-up is recommended. 

Any information you share with us would be treated as confidential and in line with the General Data Protection Regulations [GDPR] as we appreciate the personal nature of the subject matter. Your personal details such as your name, address and email address will not be shared with anyone outside of GFCT. Your results of your PSA test may be shared anonymously with researchers working on projects that relate to the early diagnosis of prostate cancer.

No. A high PSA result does not mean you have prostate cancer. A raised PSA is simply a signal to look more closely, not a diagnosis. If your PSA result is high, you will receive clear information about what it means and guidance on recommended next steps. This may include speaking to your GP, repeating the test, or having further investigations to understand the cause. 

The PSA can be raised for many reasons:  

• An infection of your pee (urinary tract infection or UTI): You may be advised to wait for six weeks after a UTI before having a PSA test.  

• Stimulation or massaging of your prostate: This can include: 

• • Heavy exercise – especially cycling  

• • Ejaculation 

• • Receiving anal sex. 

• Enlarged prostate (benign prostate hyperplasia or benign prostatic enlargement). It is normal for your prostate to grow as you get older. If it gets too big, you may have problems passing pee. 

• Prostatitis. Sometimes, bacteria can get into your prostate. This causes your prostate to get inflamed. 

• Medicines. Some medicines can affect your PSA levels. Talk to your GP or nurse about your medicines before having the PSA test. 

A raised PSA level doesn’t necessarily mean you have prostate cancer.  

If your result is high: 

• You will receive clear information explaining what your result means, helping you to understand your options and make informed decisions about next steps and follow up care. 

• You can also contact your GP or GFCT’s GP free of charge for guidance.